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 Terrariums. These mini greenhouses continue to grow in popularity
and are perfect for new or timid gardeners. Just plant a few small
tropical plants, moisten the soil, close the lid and you have a self
contained growing chamber. Show off your green thumb with a modern,
classic or vintage style vessel.
Use the Gazebo Tabletop terrarium, classic bell jar or other mini
garden as a centerpiece for the dining table or buffet. Or create a
miniature garden in glass to give as a hostess gift. When the party
is over, it’s a great memento of a fun holiday gathering.
Succulents. Growing succulents is another low maintenance garden
trend that is perfect for busy gardeners during the hectic holiday
season. Just place them in a sunny window and water whenever the
soil is dry. It’s truly as easy as that.
 The small scale cacti and succulents provide a multitude of
opportunities for incorporating them into your holiday celebrations.
You won’t need much space to enjoy the subtle colors and dramatic
form of these drought tolerant plants. Just select containers that
complement, but don’t overpower their charm.
Consider buying a few extras for guests to take home and enjoy for
years to come.
But first, use them to dress up the table by making them into place
cards for your guests. Simply add a name to the decorative pot. Or
display them all together in a copper plant tray (gardeners.com),
terra cotta saucer or other shallow container to use as a
centerpiece throughout the evening. When the party is over, each
guest can pick their own plant to take home.
Air Plants. Unique and amazing air plants are all the rage and could
certainly be described as the definitive easy care plant. Many are
native to rain forests where they grow in the canopy of trees,
gathering water and nutrients that pass by. No soil is needed for
these versatile plants. Just hang them in a bright location and soak
in tepid non-softened water once every week or two.
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Display them in an open terrarium, shell, or another decorative container. They
make great centerpieces or stunning displays.
Pothos, Philodendron and Ivy. These plants have long been low maintenance
favorites of the indoor garden. This year, consider dressing them up for the
holidays with sparkling garland, artificial flowers, berries and greens.
Or display them in unique containers, baskets or hangers. Go retro and macramé a
colorful hanger for your favorite hanging basket. Or place the pot in an earthy
woven basket, sleek plastic pot or classic Round Copper Wire Globe hanging
basket. Add some fairy lights for a bit more sparkle on long winter nights.
Make this holiday season warm and memorable with the help of these low
maintenance garden trends and plants. You, your family and friends will enjoy
their beauty, charm and easy care nature throughout the new year ahead.
[Melinda Myers with photo by
Gardener’s Supply Company]
Melinda Myers has more
than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20
gardening books, including Small Space Gardening. She hosts The
Great Courses “How to Grow Anything: Food Gardening For Everyone”
DVD set and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV &
radio segments. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for
Birds & Blooms magazine and was commissioned by Gardener’s Supply
Company for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ web site is
www.melindamyers.com.
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